Register with us for free to get unlimited news, dedicated newsletters, and access to 5 exclusive Premium articles designed to help you stay in the know.
Join the UK's leading credit and lending community in less than 60 seconds.
Ofgem is expected to decrease the energy price cap to its lowest level since March 2022 when the regulator announces the latest price next Friday (25 August).
Senior Journalist, covering the Credit Strategy and Turnaround, Restructuring & Insolvency News brands.
Energy market analyst Cornwall Insight forecast the price will drop by seven percent to £1,925, down £148 from its current cost of £2,074 introduced in July.
Cornwall Insight principal consultant Dr Craig Lowrey said: "While a small decrease in October’s bills is to be welcomed, we once again see energy price forecasts far above pre-crisis levels, underscoring the limitations of the price cap as a tool for supporting households with their energy bills.
“As many, including energy regulator Ofgem have acknowledged, it is essential that the government explore alternative solutions, such as social tariffs, to ensure stability and affordability for consumers. This slow reduction in bills, coupled with the volatility associated with the price cap, has seen many consumers taking advantage of the return of fixed price tariffs.
“Such an option is a two-sided coin, while many find comfort in locking in energy prices after the turbulent bills of the past couple of years, the potential for the price cap to dip below fixed rates is also worthy of consideration. With so many unknowns in the energy market, each household must decide for themselves what is the best avenue for them.
“Looking ahead to next year, we see how events on the other side of the globe have impacted gas prices and our subsequent price cap predictions. In the same way as we saw wholesale market volatility impact our cap forecasts last year, similar developments risk causing sharp changes in household bills in 2024.
“The UK’s structural reliance on gas imports means that it is highly susceptible to fluctuations in the international wholesale energy market. This situation continues to highlight the need for an energy policy that can accommodate the practicalities of a global energy market with support for domestically sourced, sustainable supplies which can help bring stable energy prices for all households.”
Get the latest industry news